However Hannah Montana packaged filming nine years ago, it remains one of the most beloved shows ever to be on Disney Channel. The series follows the daily life of Miley Stewart, a normal teenager who deals during the day with growth pansies that transform into a teen-pop sensation at night.
Over the course of the show, Miley Cyrus played the titular character and did such a great job in the role, it’s hard to see anyone else filling her shoes. Interestingly, she was actually not the first actor Disney considered for the lead role.
Miley Cyrus was initially not considered for the role of Hannah Montana
When Cyrus auditioned for Hannah Montana at eleven years old, showrunners thought she was too “young and small” for the part and wanted someone a little older to play the Disney darling.
Initially, Disney Channel pop singer Joanna “JoJo” Levesque – best known for her songs “Leave (Get Out)” and “Too Little, Too Late” – set out to play the title character. JoJo denied the part, however.
Seeing the role of Hannah Montana eventually went to Cyrus, many asked if JoJo regretted her decision.
Although it turned out to be a profitable opportunity, the singer told Extra TV (via OK! Magazine) in 2008, ‘No regrets. No regrets at all. Yes, she [Disney] offered me the role …[But] it’s not really what I see for myself. ‘
Disney decided to go with Miley Cyrus once she was old enough
Years after JoJo said no to playing Hannah Montana, Cyrus was selected as the lead of the series after showrunners realized she was old enough for the part.
Hannah Montana premiered in March 2006 to the largest audience for a Disney Channel program and soon became a world phenomenon.
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The show captured millions of viewers worldwide, and it also inspired merchandise, world tours, and even a hit movie. Hannah Montana also Cyrus capitulated in stargazing, which soon made her a household name.
‘Hannah Montana’ helped start Miley Cyrus’ career
In front of Hannah Montana, Cyrus was relatively unknown. Although her father was “Achy Breaky Heart” crooner Billy Ray Cyrus, one had not really heard of the young starlet until she got the role of Miley Stewart / Hannah Montana.
While standing as the fictional pop princess, Cyrus’ fame took him to new heights, and she went on to become one of the biggest stars in the world.
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No. Hannah Montana ended in 2011, Cyrus continued acting and singing. In 2012, she starred alongside Demi Moore in the teen comedy drama, LOL. The following year, she portrayed private investigator Molly Morris / Brooke Stonebridge in the teen comedy, So Undercover.
Around that time, Cyrus began to free herself from her image-cookie-cutter image and established herself as a musical artist. This eventually led to the actor’s 2013 album, Bangerz, which showed a never before seen of her.
Since then, Cyrus has played by her own rules when it came to her image as her music. Today, she is considered one of the Greatest of All Time Billboard 200 Artists and is often cited as an example of a successful child-actor-turned-singer.
And to think, JoJo had not rejected the role of Hannah Montana, who knows if Cyrus would be the ultra famous recording artist she was known for today.
